A Friend in Troubled Times?
 
 
Community:  A Friend in Troubled Times?
 
Your friend calls and laments that a crisis has occurred in her life.  You listen, counsel, pray and then?  Often it seems that crises in our lives are not “quick fixes.”  After the phone conversation, the feelings/situation/hurts continue.  What does a good friend do?  One practical avenue of encouragement that I’ve implemented is to send cards.  Not very original, you say?  
 
When I’m at a local card shop I will pick up several cards with a variety of sentiments.  Once at home, I will sit down and fill out 5-10 cards to the same person.  I will write scriptures, words of comfort, or a funny remark.  Then I seal, address and stamp them all.  I place them by my “to mail” stack.  At the beginning of each week, I’ll pick up one of the cards and drop it in the mail.
 
Consistently my friend will hear from me and know that I’m thinking about her during this difficult time.  And as I always say, “The smallest act is better than the greatest intention.”
 
Other ideas:
  1. •Same office?  Route a piece of candy with a note to your friend’s work station.
  2. •Same church?  Leave a little wrapped package or flower in your friend’s car.
  3. •Same neighborhood?  Wrap up some muffins with a note of encouragement and present at the door.
  4. •Out of country?  Send e-cards.  They’re free and instant.
  5. •Not sure what to say?  Wrap your arms around her and give her the present of presence.
 
© 2007 Daisies in the Rain Publishing Company®
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
 
 
Wednesday, May 23, 2007